Looking for a zip code database can be confusing and difficult. There are a wide array of choices with some databases containing only a few fields per record and others that have a bunch of fields in their database that you will never use.
There are a few things to consider before making a decision on which one you would like to buy.
There are a few things to consider before making a decision on which one you would like to buy.
Does Your Zip Code Database Have Everything You Need?
First off, most any database you choice should at the minimum have each zip code, the preferred city name, the state name, and the state abbreviation.
These zip code databases will generally contain 42,0000+ records more or less, depending on how up to date they are.
Now comes the tricky part. As I mentioned above, the preferred city name as stated by the US post office should be in any database you purchase but some databases also contain alternate city names or aliases. Oddly enough, there are more city and town names than there are unique zip codes!
For example, Eubank, KY has a zip code of 42567 and Eubank is the preferred city name according to the USPS. However, many people also call Eubank, KY by an alternate name, Pulaski, KY, which also has the same zip code 42567.
Most people will need a zip code database with only the most recent unique zip codes with the preferred city name. If your application or database needs every city name then look for a database that contains the alternate city name and that has substantially more records at 78,000+.
These zip code databases will generally contain 42,0000+ records more or less, depending on how up to date they are.
Now comes the tricky part. As I mentioned above, the preferred city name as stated by the US post office should be in any database you purchase but some databases also contain alternate city names or aliases. Oddly enough, there are more city and town names than there are unique zip codes!
For example, Eubank, KY has a zip code of 42567 and Eubank is the preferred city name according to the USPS. However, many people also call Eubank, KY by an alternate name, Pulaski, KY, which also has the same zip code 42567.
Most people will need a zip code database with only the most recent unique zip codes with the preferred city name. If your application or database needs every city name then look for a database that contains the alternate city name and that has substantially more records at 78,000+.
Here's my favorite link:
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